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Propulsion Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

You will lead a team of propulsion test engineers and technicians responsible for designing, building, and operating propulsion test stands and facilities supporting engine, fuel, oil, bleed air, and ...

You will lead a team of propulsion test engineers and technicians responsible for designing, building, and operating propulsion test stands and facilities supporting engine, fuel, oil, bleed air, and ...

You will lead a team of propulsion test engineers and technicians responsible for designing, building, and operating propulsion test stands and facilities supporting engine, fuel, oil, bleed air, and ...

PROPULSION ENGINEER (RAPTOR TEST) The propulsion engineer is responsible for ensuring Raptor engines and components have been tested and qualified to function in flight conditions. Our engineers ...

PROPULSION ENGINEER (RAPTOR TEST) The propulsion engineer is responsible for ensuring Raptor engines and components have been tested and qualified to function in flight conditions. Our engineers ...

Showing results 41-60

Propulsion Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$38.2K

$95.8K

$156.1K

How much do propulsion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for propulsion engineer in Texas is $95,797.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,900.00 and $109,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a propulsion engineer do?

A propulsion engineer helps build propulsion systems for aircraft, spacecraft, or missiles. Their job duties include designing, building, and testing propulsion systems. They may also develop assessment tools to determine if equipment will work in practice. A propulsion engineer often works on a large team along with other aerospace and mechanical engineers.

What is the difference between Propulsion Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectPropulsion EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related fields; often requires experience in propulsion systemsBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering; broader focus on mechanical systems
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and development of propulsion systems for aerospace or automotive industriesDesign, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical components across various industries
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily aerospace, defense, and space industriesManufacturing, automotive, energy, and many other sectors

While both roles involve mechanical principles, Propulsion Engineers specialize in propulsion systems for aerospace and automotive applications, focusing on propulsion design, testing, and integration. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on various mechanical systems across multiple industries. The choice depends on your specific interest in propulsion technology versus general mechanical design.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a propulsion engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Propulsion Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, strong analytical skills, and experience with propulsion system design and testing. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB or ANSYS, and relevant certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and clear communication help you excel in cross-functional teams and complex projects. These skills ensure efficient development, testing, and optimization of propulsion systems critical to the performance and safety of aerospace vehicles.

How much do propulsion engineers get paid?

Propulsion engineers typically earn a median annual salary between $80,000 and $130,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior or specialized propulsion engineers with advanced skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in aerospace and defense industries.

What is a propulsion engineer?

Propulsion Engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain systems that generate thrust for vehicles such as rockets, airplanes, and spacecraft. They work with various types of engines, including jet engines, rocket motors, and other propulsion technologies to ensure efficient and reliable movement. Their responsibilities often include research, analysis, and troubleshooting related to fuel efficiency, performance, and safety. Propulsion Engineers play a critical role in the aerospace and automotive industries, contributing to advancements in transportation and space exploration.

What are some common challenges propulsion engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Propulsion Engineers often collaborate with specialists in aerodynamics, structures, and systems integration, which can lead to challenges in aligning technical priorities, timelines, and communication styles. Balancing the propulsion system requirements with overall vehicle performance and safety standards demands effective teamwork and adaptability. Navigating these interdisciplinary interactions successfully helps ensure that propulsion components are seamlessly integrated and meet project goals.
What are the most commonly searched types of Propulsion Engineer jobs in Texas? The most popular types of Propulsion Engineer jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Propulsion Engineer jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Propulsion Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Propulsion Engineer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,797 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Propulsion Engineer, Fleet Support (R5005)

Shield AI

Dallas, TX

$110K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:

Shield AI is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer to serve as the propulsion SME for the V-BAT Fleet Support team. In this role, you will be the customer-facing engineering lead for escalated propulsion issues across the fielded fleet. You will act as the bridge between Fleet Support and the core propulsion, vehicle, manufacturing, and quality engineering teams to diagnose issues, drive root cause, and improve fleet reliability.

This role is ideal for an engineer who combines strong propulsion fundamentals with practical field troubleshooting experience and a customer-first mindset.

What you'll do:
  • Serve as the propulsion SME for Fleet Support and the primary engineering point of contact for propulsion-related escalations.
  • Diagnose and resolve engine performance issues, including hard starts, unstable operation, power loss, thermal excursions, endurance degradation, and intermittent behavior.
  • Troubleshoot engine mechanical and hardware issues, including vibration, wear, leaks, mounting or interface issues, actuator concerns, and component failures.
  • Investigate fuel and oil system issues, including pressure, flow, filtration, contamination, venting, priming, lubrication, and thermal-management problems.
  • Analyze flight data, maintenance records, teardown findings, and field reports to identify failure modes and define corrective actions.
  • Develop troubleshooting procedures, inspection criteria, repair guidance, and return-to-service recommendations for Fleet Support personnel and customers.
  • Partner with propulsion, air vehicle, quality, manufacturing, and supplier teams to drive permanent corrective actions and reliability improvements.
  • Capture recurring fleet issues and translate them into engineering recommendations, service actions, and long-term design improvements.
Required qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • 6+ years of experience in aircraft, rotorcraft, unmanned aircraft system, or propulsion engineering.
  • Strong hands-on experience with engine systems, fuel systems, oil systems, thermal behavior, vibration, and mechanical root-cause analysis.
  • Experience troubleshooting fielded hardware and working from ambiguous or incomplete failure reports.
  • Ability to analyze technical data from flight, test, maintenance, and inspection activities.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in cross-functional and customer-facing environments.
  • Ability to possess a Secret DoD security clearance as required by customers 
Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience with heavy-fuel or small-aircraft propulsion systems.
  • Experience supporting deployed, expeditionary, or maritime systems.
  • Experience with corrective action processes, reliability improvement, or supplier-quality coordination.
  • Comfort working in fast-paced field environments and supporting customer-site troubleshooting.
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Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.